Cabinetmaker Paul Reidt of Kochman Reidt + Haighwas the first to suggest black granite countertops
for the kitchen. The client demurred, suggesting other options. “I usually wait awhile when that
happens,” says Reidt. “But I knew black would bring out the rich colors of the woods we were building
with, so I brought it up again.” Interior designer William Gregory joined Reidt on the push, and still
the client resisted. Finally, he explained his reluctance: In his mind, black was funereal, the color of
death, and black granite is the material of tombstones in his native Italy. “To his great credit,” says
Reidt, “he explained where he was coming from and then listened to our argument.” Take a look at
the finished kitchen and try to imagine a better choice.
design decision Black Beauty